DEAR CHRISTINE, I WRITE TO get across to women who are being abused by some of these men out there. When you see the first signs, please get out. It was 13 years ago that I was abused by my then boyfriend. Out of that year-long relationship I now have a child.
I was young and did not know about relationships. Now I have the heart to write about it. It all started when we were about four months into the relationship. We were walking together one day when a friend shouted for me. When I got home he started beating me for no reason. He accused me of dealing with the person. From that day the beatings started.
When I became pregnant it stopped. However, the verbal abuse was terrible until I had the baby at seven months.
Two months after giving birth, the beatings continued. I was beaten with electric wire, forced to drink a weed killer, carried by a well and told I would be thrown into it, and beaten with a sword about my body.
When I had enough I told my parents what was really going on. The police got involved and it became a court case. All that time my child and I had to hide from this man. I was stalked day in and day out till we went to court. He was told to keep away from me. I had to hide for nearly a whole year from him.
He was jailed for a couple months. During that time I started working for me and my daughter. My parents helped me build a house. I may be happy now, but I cannot forget or forgive this man for the torment and humiliation he put me through.
I will never forsake my daughter.
The system in Barbados fails women who are in abusive relationships. No strict measures are put in place for these abusive men.
I write this letter to advise women to please get out of abusive relationships. They are not good for you in the long run.
I could have lost my life on many occasions, but I am here by the grace of God to speak about it.
Being in those kinds of situations makes you look at life differently. If you are being abused, or you see any members of your family being abused, it is time to wake up. Seek help now before it is too late.
I write this letter after seeing how that man allegedly killed his young wife, then himself. It had a real bad effect on me from the time I heard of it. I just had to share my story.
– NEW LIFE
Dear New Life,
Thanks so much for sharing your experience. You are right. I believe also that God shielded you so you could live to tell others.
Many volatile relationships occur when either the man or woman is insecure.
I hope readers take your advice to heart – especially those who know they are in abusive relationships.
– CHRISTINE